Priced a little high given the competition, but an all-around solid performer.

The 2GB Imation USB 2.0 Micro Hard Drive ($159.95 list) looks like a slightly oversized padlock, and the image is a fitting one: The drive makes an able storage vault for your files.

The company claims that the drive, protected by an aluminum shell, can resist shocks of up to 1,000-G. It certainly seems sturdy enough for everyday use.

The flexible USB cable ensures you can always reach a USB port, even if it is in the back of a crowded desktop. You can also use the cable as a lockable loop that you can attach to the strap of your laptop carrying case. It is an interesting shape, but I don't think many of us want to make such a pocketable (just 1.8 ounces) drive quite that visible.

If the drive is lost, however, rest assured that your data will be protected. The company loads Imation Security Manager Software onto every drive, which handles both file synchronization and encryption functions. The software and the drive work with the Mac OS, Windows (Me, 2000, XP) and even Linux. Even without loading Imation Security Manager, the drive is instantly recognized as a USB mass-storage device and can be used like any other removable drive.

We tested a 2GB version, but a 4GB model should be available later this year for a list price of $189. Both are priced a little high, given the competition, but in terms of performance, either would make a worthy addition to your personal storage portfolio.

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About the Author

Dan Costa is the Editor-in-Chief of PCMag.com and the Senior Vice President of Content for Ziff-Davis. He oversees the editorial operations for PCMag.com, Geek.com, ExtremeTech.com as well as PCMag's network of blogs, including AppScout and SecurityWatch. Dan makes frequent appearances on local, national, and international news programs, including ... See Full Bio

Imation USB 2.0 Micro Hard Drive

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